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If you are looking to furnish a small space obviously you will need to make sure that there is space for what YOU class as essential. This will be different for all of us. As they say 'One man's meat is another man's poison' so decide just what YOU want in your space. There are many great multi functional pieces of furniture and equipment these days.

P.C's have the capability of being your television, DVD player, CD player, Radio, oh and of course, Computer, all rolled into one. Maybe a laptop computer would be even better in your case? If you don't need a computer, although most of us do these days, perhaps a mini Hi-Fi System will fit the bill. These are practical, have great sound and are very competitively priced.

Comfortable beds can be bought that are either easily stowed away or converted in to a seating arrangement throughout the day. There are many combinations were items have more than one use which are practical and inexpensive, such as automatic washing machines which incorporate a tumble drying function.

If space is limited, and you are furnishing for only one person, such items as table top fridges, freezers and washing machines are good buys. In this day and age a cooker is not usually the essential piece of equipment it once was. It is quite possible to eat well with a microwave, grilling machine, steamer and cooker hob.

So much depends on what space you are furnishing. Is it a cupboard under the stairs which you are trying to convert into an office? Maybe it's a tiny self-contained flat where space is at an absolute premium. Just how big is the space, what will be it's purpose and how big is your budget?. Of course budget is, as always, a prime consideration as you must have ample funds for your plans.

Right then, to purchase furniture for small spaces:
- Measure the space well as it is easy to misjudge sizes when they are guessed.
- Similarly measure any potential buys. It's no good returning with an item which is too big to even get it through the door.
- Decide what the identity and purpose of the space is to be.
- Assess what you think is essential.
- Decide what extras you may opt for.
- Buy good quality multi-functional furniture.
- Decorate in neutral, plain tones of colour.
- Keep window coverings light, plain and unfussy to allow as much light as possible to flow through the space you have.
- Keep additions such as ornaments, rugs, pictures and clutter to a minimum.
- Make sure that the space is well laid out for ease of movement throughout.
- If you can incorporate glass, such as large mirrors, or extra windows, into your design the space will seem larger and work better.
- If it helps, draw a plan which is roughly to scale and work out what will go where.

Buying furniture for a small space requires a little extra thought, but is really not that different from buying furniture for anywhere. All purchasing needs a little common sense, an eye for a quality bargain and the ability to select the right item for your need.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
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